The Cambria Community Services District is accepting applications for the Firefighter position. This promotional opportunity is available to internal CCSD employees only. Applications must be submitted by August 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

About the Position

Under the supervision of an engine company officer, the Firefighter responds to fires, medical aids, rescues, hazardous materials incidents, motor vehicle accidents, and other emergency and non-emergency incidents.  The Firefighter maintains a state of mental and physical readiness to respond to emergency calls. The  Firefighter participates in training activities, maintains fire equipment and facilities, performs public education and fire prevention duties, and assists in training reserve firefighters, as well as other duties. Firefighters will work with a full-time or reserve officer on 24-hour shifts as the fourth person on the engine.

To review the full position description, please click the link below.

Firefighter Position Description

Shift Schedule

Firefighters will work a 48/96 shift schedule. Shifts may include weekends and holidays. Participation in training events is required. All personnel are responsible for 100% of the material covered at training drills, and will be held accountable for that information, including new policies, procedures and standard operating guidelines.

Firefighters are full-time employees of the Cambria CSD Fire Department and are eligible for membership in any benefits from any District group plan for health or medical insurance, membership in any District retirement program, paid holiday, vacation, sick leave, and other leave with or without pay, or any other job benefits accruable to a full-time permanent District employee. Firefighters will be IAFF Cambria Local 4635 union members and covered by IAFF Cambria Local 4635 M.O.U

Minimum Requirements

• High School Graduate or equivalent.
• United States citizen or legal right to remain in the United States.
• Hazardous Materials First Responder Operational certified.
• Valid California driver license and proof of insurance (Applicants who do not possess the required DMV license, or CPR certification may be admitted to the testing process but must possess the required license or certification prior to being appointed.)
• Must possess California State Fire Marshal Firefighter I certification.
• Must possess a valid California Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification at the time of appointment. Applicants who are not currently licensed as a California Paramedic must obtain California Paramedic licensure and San Luis Obispo County Paramedic accreditation prior to successful completion of the probationary period. Failure to obtain and maintain these qualifications shall result in failure to complete probation and may result in separation from employment.

Some minimum requirements may be waived upon substantial demonstration and documentation of substitute fulfillment.

Emergency Medical Certification Requirements

Applicants who possess a valid California Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification, but do not hold a Paramedic license, are eligible for appointment as a Firefighter. Such employees must obtain California Paramedic licensure and San Luis Obispo County Paramedic Accreditation, at their own expense and without financial assistance from the District, within four (4) years of appointment. Employees hired under this provision shall remain on probationary status until these requirements have been successfully completed, and the probationary period may be extended up to a maximum of four (4) years.

Physical Fitness Requirements

Applicants must successfully complete the Cambria Fire Department Physical Agility Test and demonstrate the ability to swim safely and effectively, as determined by Department standards, due to the Department's response responsibilities involving ocean and water rescue incidents.

Benefits

• $68,874 to $83,716 annually (EMT)
• $76,434 to $92,906 annually (Paramedic)
• Non-exempt employees assigned to a 56-hour (average) workweek schedule will receive pay for overtime as defined in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). All overtime shall be paid at a rate of one and one-half (1 ½) times the regular hourly rate of pay.
• All covered employees hired on or after December 28, 2012 who are not defined as “new members” under the Public Employees Pension Reform Act (“PEPRA”) will be covered by the 3% @ 55 retirement formula and the 36 highest consecutive months’ final compensation provision.  All covered employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 and who are defined as “new members” under PEPRA will be covered by the 2.7% at 57 retirement formula and the 36 highest consecutive months’ final compensation provision. 
• Regular employees, after completion of their probationary period, shall be eligible for the Health Care Reimbursement Program. Eligible employees receive a credit of $1300 each January 1.
• For all regular employees working full time, the District will pay 85% of the premiums currently in effect for employee and dependent coverage for the lowest cost plan available to District employees offered through the PERS system.
• For all regular employees working fulltime, the District will pay 85% of the premiums for employee and dependent coverage for the lowest cost dental plan.  In the event the employees elect a higher cost coverage, the employees shall pay the increased cost for that plan.
• A Group Life Insurance Plan will be provided with a $25,000 life insurance policy for each unit member, a $1,000 policy for each employee's spouse, and a $1,000 for each employee's dependent under the age of 21.  The CCSD will pay the full monthly premium for each unit member, spouse, and dependent children.
• Covered employees assigned to a 56-hour average workweek schedule shall accrue 4.31 hours of vacation leave biweekly (112 hrs/yr) from the date of hire to sixty (60) months of service.
• Each full-time employee, assigned to a 56-hour average workweek, shall accrue sick leave from the date of employment at the rate of 6.4 hours per 14-day payroll period (based on 120 hours per year times the conversion factor of 1.4).
• In lieu of time off on holidays, covered employees assigned to a 56-hour workweek shall accrue 6.07 hours of holiday leave per 14-day payroll period for a total of 168 hours per year (based on 120 hours per year times the conversion factor of 1.4). 
• The District shall provide covered employees with an annual uniform and personal gear allowance of $500, payable in July of each year.  

Application Process

Electronic submittals are strongly preferred and should be directed to administration@cambriacsd.org and include the following: completed application, cover letter, resume and proof of minimum requirements. All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified for the position on the basis of experience, training and education as submitted, will move forward in the hiring process. The candidate who has successfully completed all prior phases of the hiring process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.